Cornus kousa 'SATOMI'

Japanese dogwoods are very popular shrubs in our climate because thy have unusual flowers and habit and are fully hardy here.

“Satomi” is the most sought after variety among the Japanese ones. Its flowers are of light to deep pink colour that is unevenly spread throughout the flowers. Technically, they are not flowers but 4 flower bracts composed around small flower heads. They are up to 10 cm wide and conspicuous as they come out in June when the shrub is fully leafed, making them a dense, green background. Freshly transplanted plants may temporarily change its flower colour to white with pink spots for a year or two before they fully establish.

Pointed leaves are deciduous, ovate, dark green and slightly drooping. The have prominent reddish veins and margins. The best show begins in early autumn when they turn to orangey- or vivid-red or bright purple. They grow quite slowly, making a slender shrub when young, and slightly spreading when older but still remaining quite compact compared to flowering dogwood. Its usual height seldom reaches 3m, taller plants can only be seen in arboretums where they have plenty of room for extensive root system.

Every dogwood likes acidic soil, rich in organic material, and always moist. Some gardeners advise planting it in semi-shade to reduce summer sunlight but we do not recommend that. Plant it in full sun and mulch the roots well. In dry spells provide extra watering and thus you can be sure your dogwood will flower profusely and will be richer and healthier. Use of selective fertilizers supporting flowering and leaf colour is advised. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 21-12-2007